He was involved in the main street upgrades for Project Marton, where he voluntarily rebuilt four vacant buildings - which were in a state of disrepair - in 2002.
A tilt at the mayoralty was something that had been in the back of his mind for a long time.
"I was always threatening to do more," he said.
"For years people have been asking me to run because they know I stand up for the people of Marton and Rangitikei."
He will be up against incumbent Andy Watson and the other challenger Rob Snijders.
Despite council's focus on consultation over the past three years, Mr London didn't think it was enough.
"I don't see it," he said.
"One thing I've always noticed; you do not see the councillors, you don't know where they are, you don't have a clue what they are doing.
"I think there should be people from all communities involved in council."
One of Mr London's ideas is to create a free bus service to connect the district's towns and neighbouring cities.
While he wants it funded privately he believed, as mayor he could facilitate getting it off the ground.
Mr London is also standing for council but said he had enough support in the community to have a serious shot at the mayoralty.
